Warmer weather means more time in the sun, swimming and styling your hair. While it is something to enjoy, sun exposure, chlorine, salt water and heat styling can leave hair feeling dry, rough and tangled.
A few simple changes to your haircare routine can help protect your hair and keep it feeling soft and manageable throughout spring and summer.
Protect Your Hair From the Sun
Spending time in the sun can leave your hair feeling dry and looking dull. Wearing a hat is a simple way to help protect your hair outdoors, while a leave in treatment can help keep it soft, hydrated and manageable.
For extra moisture, try Redken One United All In One Multi Benefit Treatment, Pureology Color Fanatic Multi Tasking Leave In Spray, Angel Helichrysum Wakening Hydration Cream or Angel Camellia Versatile Leave In Cream.
Keep in mind: Heat protection does not necessarily mean UV protection.
Use Heat Protection Before Styling
Blow drying, straightening and curling can add to existing damage, particularly when hair is already dry or fragile. Apply a heat protectant before using hot tools and follow the recommended temperature settings.
Some options to consider are Redken Extreme Play Safe Treatment, K18 HeatBounce Heat Protectant, ghd Bodyguard Heat Protect Spray and L’Oréal Professionnel Tecni.Art All In 1 Performer.
Choose a formula that suits your hair type and styling routine.
Protect Your Hair Before and After Swimming
Chlorine and salt water can leave hair feeling dry and tangled. Before swimming, wet your hair with fresh water to reduce how much pool or sea water it absorbs. Tying long hair back loosely can also help prevent tangles.
After swimming, rinse your hair thoroughly with fresh water. Shampoo when needed to remove chlorine, salt and buildup, then apply conditioner through the mid lengths and ends to help restore softness.
Keep Your Hair Hydrated
If your hair is dry, damaged or feeling rough, conditioner alone may not be enough.
Adding a treatment to your routine can provide more intensive care and help improve softness and manageability. How often you need one will depend on your hair and the type of treatment you are using.
For damaged hair, Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate 5 Minute Liquid Mask can be added when your hair needs more intensive conditioning.
For chemically treated, bleached or otherwise damaged hair, K18 Leave In Molecular Repair Hair Mask is another option. Rather than being a traditional conditioning mask, K18 is designed around molecular repair and is particularly useful when damage and breakage are your main concerns.
If your hair is already in good condition but simply needs more softness and shine, you may not need a treatment every wash. Start with your regular conditioner and add extra care when your hair needs it.
Prevent Tangling and Breakage
Wind, swimming and time at the beach can leave hair tangled, making it more likely to break when brushed.
Use a wide tooth comb or a gentle detangling brush, starting at the ends and working upwards. The Wet Brush Original Detangler is one option for gently working through knots.
If your hair tangles easily, tying it back loosely while swimming or spending time outdoors can also help.
Adjust Your Haircare Routine for Summer
Your hair may need slightly different care during the warmer months, particularly if you are swimming more often or spending extra time outdoors.
Keep your routine simple:
- Choose a shampoo and conditioner suited to your hair type.
- Rinse your hair after swimming.
- Use a leave in treatment if your hair needs extra moisture.
- Apply heat protection before styling.
- Add a treatment when your hair feels dry or damaged.
You do not need to add lots of new products. Focus on what your hair needs and adjust your routine as the season changes.
Find the Right Haircare for Your Hair
The best way to care for your hair in spring and summer depends on your hair type, condition and concerns. If you are unsure where to start, our free online hair consultation can help.
Complete our free online hair consultation and our experienced salon professionals will recommend a personalised haircare routine to suit your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the sun damage your hair?
Yes. Sun exposure can leave hair dry, rough and more prone to breakage. Wearing a hat and using suitable conditioning products can help protect your hair.
How can I protect my hair from chlorine?
Wet your hair with fresh water before swimming, rinse thoroughly afterwards and shampoo when needed. Follow with conditioner to help keep your hair soft and manageable.
Should I wash my hair after swimming in the sea?
Rinsing your hair with fresh water after swimming helps remove salt. Shampoo when needed, particularly if your hair feels rough or has salt buildup.
Do I need heat protectant in summer?
Yes, if you use heated styling tools. Heat protectant helps reduce heat damage, but it does not necessarily protect your hair from UV exposure.
How can I stop my hair tangling at the beach?
Tie your hair back loosely, avoid brushing knots aggressively and detangle gently from the ends upwards. A detangling brush can help make this easier.
What is the best treatment for dry summer hair?
It depends on your hair's condition. A conditioning treatment can help improve softness and manageability, while a repair focused treatment may be more suitable for chemically treated or damaged hair. Choose one that matches your hair's needs.
